Welcome to AikiWeb Aikido Information
AikiWeb: The Source for Aikido Information
AikiWeb's principal purpose is to serve the Internet community as a repository and dissemination point for aikido information.

Sections
home
aikido articles
columns

Discussions
forums
aikiblogs

Databases
dojo search
seminars
image gallery
supplies
links directory

Reviews
book reviews
video reviews
dvd reviews
equip. reviews

News
submit
archive

Miscellaneous
newsletter
rss feeds
polls
about

Follow us on



Home > AikiWeb Aikido Forums
Go Back   AikiWeb Aikido Forums > General

Hello and thank you for visiting AikiWeb, the world's most active online Aikido community! This site is home to over 22,000 aikido practitioners from around the world and covers a wide range of aikido topics including techniques, philosophy, history, humor, beginner issues, the marketplace, and more.

If you wish to join in the discussions or use the other advanced features available, you will need to register first. Registration is absolutely free and takes only a few minutes to complete so sign up today!

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 06-19-2011, 10:28 PM   #1
scarey
Dojo: Shinkikan
Location: Houston
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 29
United_States
Offline
Why Do You Study Aikido?

Why do *you* study Aikido? If you're a veteran, have your reasons changed much? If beginning, what is your purpose?
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 01:47 AM   #2
Tim Ruijs
 
Tim Ruijs's Avatar
Dojo: Makato/Netherlands
Location: Netherlands - Leusden
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 463
Netherlands
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

Very good question indeed.

When I was young I really loved (actually still do!) the Chinese martial art movies (mainly Kung Fu) and off course wanted to be like that.
In my neighbourhood this was not possible and other martial arts were hard/confronting which I did not like and still do not. So I went swimming, volleyball, gymnastics. Many years later I found out one of my nephews practised Aikido and was very enthousiastic about it. He told me stuff, showed me a couple of things...three months later I attended summer school of Kanetsuka Sensei and Fujita Sensei. I was sold.
Over the years learned more, changed styles and finally found my Aikido. I found out that learning how to hurt someone should not have to hurt, if you understand. I feel that is what Morihei drove to develop Aikido. Create a softer method of training (more accessible).

So why? At the time because I just loved the acrobatics and beating these masters displayed, nowadays to better myself and help my (and other) students to find their way.

Last edited by Tim Ruijs : 06-20-2011 at 01:57 AM.

In a real fight:
* If you make a bad decision, you die.
* If you don't decide anything, you die.
Aikido teaches you how to decide.
www.aikido-makato.nl
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 03:31 AM   #3
Jauch
 
Jauch's Avatar
Dojo: Shinji Dojo/Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 29
Portugal
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

Well...
.
I started because on that time (almost 10 years ago), my life was a bit "messy". So, a doctor told me that do an oriental martial art would be good to me. He advises me kung fu. But because I have a friend of mine that was (and still is) practicing aikido already, I choose aikido them.
.
For sure, at that time, "self defense" was not a concern to me (and still isn't).
.
I can say that aikido became very important to me, for many reasons.
The most important, probably, is that I love to fly over tatamae.
.
And what's my purpose now? Why I still training?
.
For many reasons too. But the most important I think it is... "Bath sponge move in the shower the force with will I..."
.
Someday, who knows...? haha
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 05:01 AM   #4
SeiserL
 
SeiserL's Avatar
Location: Florida Gulf coast
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,902
United_States
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

I usually say its because I don't golf. (Something about those windmills and clown faces freaked me out. ;-)

Initially it seemed like the natural next step in my martial studies.

Now (after 16 years) I just enjoy the training and the people.

Lynn Seiser PhD
Yondan Aikido & FMA/JKD
We do not rise to the level of our expectations, but fall to the level of our training. Train well. KWATZ!
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 05:17 AM   #5
St Matt
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 40
United Kingdom
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

I started it as I was looking for a self defense method. I have a permanently damaged ankle and therefore running away from any kind of confrontation is not an option. I chose Aikido because when I looked into it I thought the training had very little kicks / leg sweeps, unlike Karate and Ju-jutsu etc as these would be a problem with my condition. Also I have always seemed to turn/spin when friends and myself have had a bit of play fighting and I saw this in a certain action hero's fight scenes so thought it may suit me ;-)

I am now really enjoying my training and try to go as much as possible. Would I be able to use it as a 5th kyu if a self defense situation arose? I think I probably would (depending on the attacker) so it is doing what I wanted it to!
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 06:30 AM   #6
lbb
Location: Massachusetts
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,202
United_States
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

Because I want to. No great plans or grand ambitions here.
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 08:17 AM   #7
graham christian
Dojo: golden center aikido-highgate
Location: london
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,697
England
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

High Shawn.
My purpose as a confused teenager was to try to make some sense out of life. I had read some books and then came across Aikido and a Teacher that gave me hope.

Nowadays teaching I would say my main purpose is to help to put it in a nutshell.

It is interesting also that it's the main question I have for anyone who wants to train with me ie: What's your purpose? This alone gives me the idea of whether I can help them or to direct them to someone I know who can.

Regards.G.
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 08:59 AM   #8
Mark Uttech
Dojo: Yoshin-ji Aikido of Marshall
Location: Wisconsin
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,224
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

Onegaishimasu,
Aikido is much like the physical expression of Nature, what is that harmony that appears? But it catches our attention and interest again and again and over the years becomes everything we are.
In gassho,
Mark

- Right combination works wonders -
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 09:25 AM   #9
Keith Larman
Dojo: AIA, Los Angeles, CA
Location: California
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,604
United_States
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

because it was always too hard to find open courts for playing tennis and the wife wasn't all that interested in playing regularly. And I can't afford a membership to the local swim clubs or country clubs. And I hate jogging.

Okay, that was a *somewhat* joking answer. But the reality is that for most of us something simply "fits" our lives, expectations, etc. For me I started Aikido because I was skeptical. I stayed after experiencing what a couple people I still train with to this day could do to me even though I was bigger, younger, stronger, and even had a few tricks up my sleeve from other training. I went in pursuit of that thinking it would be hard to learn. And it was. And still is. But in the end it is simply something I *do*. Not much more complicated than that...

  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 09:48 AM   #10
BKK
Dojo: Elkton Ki Aikido, Elkton Va.
Location: Elkton, Va.
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 10
United_States
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

I started Aikido because it looked like something that I would enjoy, and because it looked like it would give me more options than the Tae Kwon Do I was doing, so I tried it and loved it, and I still do it because I love it and enjoy it, although the reasons I enjoy it have changed over the years.

In the beginning it was the physicality of it as well as the challenge of learning to do what sensei and the senior students seemed to do so easily. Now I teach, but I still have a teacher, so I'm still a student and there are still challenges, but they are different challenges. It doesn't appear that there will ever not be any challenges in it for me, and as long as I can do it I will do it.

Brian
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 01:28 PM   #11
ninjaqutie
 
ninjaqutie's Avatar
Dojo: Searching for a new home
Location: Delaware (<3 still in Oregon!)
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,004
United_States
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

For something to do. Keeps me curious because I find it so challenging.

~Look into the eyes of your opponent & steal his spirit.
~To be a good martial artist is to be good thief; if you want my knowledge, you must take it from me.
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 02:38 PM   #12
Dave de Vos
 
Dave de Vos's Avatar
Dojo: Shoryukai, Breda (aikikai) & Aiki-Budocentrum Breda (yoseikan)
Location: Baarle-Nassau
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 348
Netherlands
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

Because it's a deep intellectual, mental and physical challenge.

And it's fun too
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 08:37 PM   #13
Shadowfax
 
Shadowfax's Avatar
Dojo: Allegheny Aikido, Pitsburgh PA
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 948
United_States
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

Because no matter how I feel when I get in the car to go to the dojo I always leave it feeling happy and relaxed.
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2011, 02:55 AM   #14
dapidmini
Dojo: Surabaya Aikido Dojo
Location: surabaya
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 98
Indonesia
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

I started aikido because I was a little overweight. over the years, I became to love it and made many friends with various backgrounds and skills especially in martial arts. and recently I realized that somehow I'm addicted to the feeling when I'm training and after.
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2011, 04:01 AM   #15
gates
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 193
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

I could give a myriad of reasons, instead here is a shoddy poem.

The eternal pursuit of truth and happiness led me to the dojo gate,
A request was made “please leave your shoes and ego at the door”,
A few hours later my body was bruised and sore.

To forge out the impurities from my body and soul that is why I came
I pray every day in every moment that I do not forget the reasons I need to train

Now i've started I’ll carry on along this path until the very end, I'll manage tai no henka one day, even if it drives me round the bend.

(A poet I ain't)

Enjoy the journey
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2011, 06:54 AM   #16
Carsten Möllering
 
Carsten Möllering's Avatar
Dojo: Hildesheimer Aikido Verein
Location: Hildesheim
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 932
Germany
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

I practice, because it is the right thing to do.
Jus as to breathe.
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2011, 01:49 PM   #17
Eric Hood
Dojo: Vernon, NJ
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 11
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

I wanted to do a martial art. I was looking for Krav Maga. But, I live in the boonies. My buddy got me interested.
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-22-2011, 03:06 AM   #18
amoeba
Dojo: Aikido Netzwerk
Location: Düsseldorf, NRW
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 80
Germany
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

I was always kind of interested in japanese martial arts - throwing, rolling etc. sounded cool. So when a friend asked me to come along for a class, I did. I liked it, I was actually more talented for aikido than for other kinds of sports (at which I always sucked), so I quit tennis and stayed in aikido. Sounds prosaic, but that's about it...

Why do I keep practicing today? Mainly because I just enjoy training, because it' a lot of fun, I still like the throws and the rolling (and falling), there's a lot of nice people around and I've found new friend all over the world.

But to be honest, I guess that if my friend had started judo or karate back then (and the school had been as good), I might have had just as much fun there...
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-22-2011, 06:05 AM   #19
Anjisan
Dojo: Aikido of Madison
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 189
United_States
Offline
Talking Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

Quote:
Cherie Cornmesser wrote: View Post
Because no matter how I feel when I get in the car to go to the dojo I always leave it feeling happy and relaxed.
So true! Especially when I can get myself up at 5am to get to the 6am class. I feel miserable getting there, but I feel great coming home!
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-22-2011, 06:09 AM   #20
Anjisan
Dojo: Aikido of Madison
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 189
United_States
Offline
Ki Symbol Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

Quote:
Eric Hood wrote: View Post
I wanted to do a martial art. I was looking for Krav Maga. But, I live in the boonies. My buddy got me interested.
I am also looking at Krav Maga, specifically to compliment my Aikido. In particular, I am looking to expand my weapons takeaways/disarms.
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2012, 01:08 AM   #21
aikidoka81
 
aikidoka81's Avatar
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 19
Singapore
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

Mainly for self-defence, exercise and to build my self-confidence and self-esteem.

Aikido The Gentle Martial Art http://www.squidoo.com/aikido3
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2012, 02:14 AM   #22
notdrock
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Australia
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

Structure. The basis of all good martial arts stem from structure and self-awareness. O' Sensei saw this and found a beautiful way to train it.
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2013, 11:37 AM   #23
JLRonin
 
JLRonin's Avatar
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 40
United_States
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

It fits my essence and personality.
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2013, 11:41 AM   #24
Cliff Judge
Location: Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,276
Japan
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

Because everybody thinks it is foolish.
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2013, 01:36 PM   #25
BJohnston
Location: OK
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 44
United_States
Offline
Re: Why Do You Study Aikido?

I needed a release. I had always been fascinated with the movements of Aikido. I had a friend involved in MMA. I was looking for something to try. In his opinion Aikido was ideal because it's an art that you can grow old with. Unlike some other arts that may be a bit more harsh on the body. I did my due diligence with researching history, styles, the philosophy...etc. I was lucky to have found a great dojo. I haven't looked back. It's actually given me so much more than I ever anticipated.

B
  Reply With Quote

Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Correlation of Aikido and Daito-Ryu Waza John Driscoll Columns 30 10-15-2016 03:22 PM
YouTube: Golden Center Sword graham christian General 121 12-11-2010 06:37 AM
I'm Leaving Aikido Daniel Ranger-Holt General 122 10-07-2010 08:01 PM
Managing Change in Aikido George S. Ledyard External Aikido Blog Posts 14 10-29-2009 07:44 AM
Transmission, Inheritance, Emulation 10 Peter Goldsbury Columns 200 02-04-2009 06:45 AM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:46 PM.



vBulletin Copyright © 2000-2024 Jelsoft Enterprises Limited
----------
Copyright 1997-2024 AikiWeb and its Authors, All Rights Reserved.
----------
For questions and comments about this website:
Send E-mail
plainlaid-picaresque outchasing-protistan explicantia-altarage seaford-stellionate